[Operative treatment of metastasis related pathologic and incipient fractures of the extremities]

From January 1, 1968 to December 31, 1982 50 metastatic and 18 incipient pathological fractures of the humerus and femur were stabilized by Rush-pins, medullary nailing, A0-plates or endoprostheses. In this palliative management of pathological fractures methyl-metacylate (Pallacos) turned out to be a successful adjunct used in most of our cases. The results obtained demonstrate a mean survival time between 9 to 12 months. Only in cases of inoperability, surgical therapy has to be omitted. The functional use of the affected extremities could be restored in 81% (metastases of the lower extremity), in 75% with metastases of the humerus. Roughly 90% of our patients were relieved of pain.